Today is International Traffic Light Day.

      August 5th is celebrated worldwide as International Traffic Light Day. On this day in 1914, the first device, which became the prototype of modern traffic lights, appeared in Cleveland, USA. It had two colors — red and green, and was accompanied by an audible signal when switching.

      The history of traffic lights began even earlier — in 1868, engineer J. Knight installed the first prototype near the Parliament building in London. However, due to an explosion and injury to a policeman, the idea was temporarily forgotten. Only decades later did safer and automated versions appear.

      The first traffic light in Russia was installed in Leningrad in January 1930. Shortly thereafter, devices appeared in Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, and other cities, and eventually reached the Kirov region. Today, traffic lights are an integral part of urban infrastructure.

      Modern models can not only change colors but also display countdowns, provide sound signals, indicate directions, and even animate pedestrians at crossings.

      Employees of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, educators, and activists use this day to remind adults and children once again: obeying traffic signals is a crucial condition for road safety.